Serious Injuries are Possible from a Minor Slip and Fall

Many people think that slip and fall accidents are minor and do not result in serious injuries. Unfortunately, that is not true. Even when a slip and fall is minor, a person can still sustain severe injuries. Approximately nine million people visit emergency rooms around the country due to slip and fall accidents every year. These accidents, even those that may not seem serious at first, are also the second leading cause of unintentional death. 

Even when a person survives an accident, the injuries they sustain can impact them for years to come. Some of the most common injuries sustained in minor slip and fall accidents are outlined below.

Broken Bones

When too much pressure is placed on a bone, it will break. After a slip and fall, the bones most likely to break are those in the wrist, ankles, and hips. In fact, over 95% of broken hips are due to slip and fall accidents. Older people are more likely to experience broken bones after a slip and fall, but everyone is at risk for this injury after an accident. Broken bones typically require surgery to repair and when a person sustains multiple broken bones, it is likely that they will remain hospitalized for a long time after the accident.

Sprained Ankles and Wrists

Sprains are extremely common after a slip and fall accident. When people slip, they may take an uneven or unusual step, spraining their ankle as they do. Many people also put out their hands to break their fall, which can cause a sprained wrist. The ligaments in these areas of the body do not receive a lot of blood supply, so they take even longer to heal. 

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are not as visible as others and many people do not even realize they have sustained this type of injury after a fall. Soft tissues refer to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the body. Accident victims may not even realize they have suffered a soft tissue injury after a fall, which is why it is so important to always seek medical attention after an accident.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

It is common for individuals to hit their heads during slip and fall accidents, which can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries include bumps, bruises, hematoma, fractured skulls, and concussions. TBIs are devastating for accident victims, as they can impair brain function and bodily control and cause seizures.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The force of a fall greatly impacts the body and can cause fractured vertebrae, herniated and slipped discs, and other injuries that result in an immense amount of pain and limit one’s mobility. Even a minor slip and fall can result in paralysis or even death.

Our Illinois Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Can Help You Claim Damages

Even seemingly minor slip and fall accidents can result in very serious injuries. If you have been hurt, call our Streator slip and fall accident lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. We will advise on the damages you are eligible for and work tirelessly to secure the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.